Senior Instructional Leadership (SIL) A Component of Academic Seminar Program Description The Senior Instructional Leadership (SIL) program is designed to expand leadership opportunities to qualified seniors as they participate in a variety of activities associated with classroom instruction. Students in SIL partner with a mentor teacher in order to assist in the delivery of the curriculum. Participants work in a classroom with a mentoring teacher 5 periods a week, assist in whatever curricular activities the teacher considers appropriate and keep a weekly journal of their experiences. Regular seminar meetings with the TAG coordinator and mentor teachers utilize discussion, readings about teaching and education, and a final self-assessment of the SIL experience to complement students’ in-class work. Several seminar meetings will be held throughout the semester. Mentor teachers, SIL students, and the TAG coordinator will collaboratively determine the nature of the work and how the students’ learning will be assessed both in seminar and in the classroom. Students will receive .5 credit per semester for their service. Program Rationale SIL offers students a unique opportunity to learn and demonstrate leadership in an instructional setting. Many students demonstrate leadership through extracurricular activities, but those who enroll in SIL receive focused training and assessment-oriented feedback about their leadership skills. In addition, the course deepens students’ understanding of the teaching profession by providing access to close mentoring relationships with faculty, direct classroom contact with students, and the seminar curriculum facilitated by the TAG coordinator. Most importantly, SIL recognizes seniors as an invaluable resource who are ready to serve the school. Beyond enhancing the delivery of the curriculum and fostering meaningful relationships for seniors in their final year, the SIL program has the potential to positively impact the climate of the school as seniors truly become classroom role models. Goals & Expectations for SIL Participants The Senior Instructional Leadership (SIL) program is intended to offer qualified seniors the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities associated with classroom instruction. Some of the key goals for the students in this program include the following: To assist the mentoring teacher in delivering the course curriculum in whatever ways the teacher considers appropriate To learn about a variety of teaching methodologies and practices To develop classroom leadership skills To develop an awareness of the learning process and a variety of student learning styles To work closely with students in various instructional settings In an effort to realize these and other goals of the SIL program, students will be expected to fulfill the following requirements: To work in a classroom with a mentoring teacher 5 periods a week To confer with the mentoring teacher on a weekly basis to plan and discuss class activities To attend several seminars with the SIL participants and the TAG coordinator during the course of the semester To keep a weekly journal to record classroom activities and personal reflections about teaching To read a number of articles about effective teaching practices and at least one book in the field of education To have an individual conference with the TAG coordinator To write a final self-assessment of the SIL experience Name:___________________ (Please Print Legibly) SIL CODE OF ETHICS I understand that my leadership role in the classroom requires that I adhere to the following principles of conduct. I recognize that all information and events pertaining to my work in the classroom are strictly confidential. I will make every effort to make each student with whom I work feel valued and capable. I will show no favoritism toward particular students. I will refrain from making critical or judgmental comments about the students with whom I working. I will be respectful to my mentor teacher and do nothing to undermine his or her classroom authority. I will continually strive to find ways to contribute to the educational effectiveness of the classroom. I will assume at all times my most professional demeanor. Participants Signature:______________________ SIL Program Description SIL Application Process and Expectations for Students To qualify for the SIL program, a student must have a teacher willing to work with them, a strong understanding of the subject matter, and one free period in their schedule. SIL students are required to attend seminars and complete writing assignments to pass the course. Students receive .5 credit as an elective. Every SIL role is unique and depends on the mentor teacher expectations, SIL student abilities, and the needs of the students in the course. SIL responsibilities range from taking attendance to coteaching lectures. SIL is designed for students who are mature enough to take on the role of a teacher in the classroom and mentor their fellow students in a favorite subject. They are expected to be exemplary students both in the classroom in which the SIL and outside the classroom in regard to behavior as well as maintaining a good academic standing. If a student misbehaves or breaks the trust of a SIL mentor they can be removed from the program. “SILing” is an honor and a privilege. SILC applications will not be released until the master schedule is complete and teachers are aware of the courses they will be teaching the following year. SIL is added into the student’s schedule only after admission to the program is confirmed. SILC Mentor Role SIL mentors work with a student to introduce them to the art and science of teaching. SIL students perform a range of classroom tasks – from taking attendance to leading discussions. The mentor teacher decides the appropriate level of involvement: each SIL experience is different and it depends on the makeup of the class and the personality of the SIL student. SIL mentors are asked to sit down with their SIL students once a week for at least twenty minutes. These meetings are essential for keeping SIL students included in the teaching experience and giving both SIL students and mentor a chance to talk about a range of classroom issues. This also gives the SIL students a chance to brush up on old material before it is covered in class. I will have an orientation at the beginning of every year for SIL mentor teachers and will be available for help if concerns arise. If a SIL student ever breaks your trust or your classroom rules, steps will be taken to rectify the situation and remove the student if necessary. Senior Instructional Leadership (SIL) Application Completed SIL applications are due in the TAG office by ___________ I. Contact Information Please download this form and type in the required information. Name: __________________________________________ E-mail address: __________________________________________ II. Why SIL? Please answer the following questions thoughtfully and in complete sentences. 1. Please list three reasons why you would like to be a SIL student: 2. What do you think you will contribute to CHS as a part of this experience? What do you hope to gain personally? 3. What personal strengths will you bring to the classroom as a SIL student? These strengths may be academic or interpersonal. Please complete parts III, IV and V with your prospective SIL mentor teacher. III. SIL Teaching Request 1. Requested Course ______________________________________ 2. Requested Teacher ______________________________________ 3. Which periods will this course be offered next year? ____________________ 4. Can you be in this classroom 5 days a week as a SIL student?_______ IV. SILC Student Responsibilities 1. What tasks and responsibilities will your SIL mentor assign to you during the first weeks of school? Keep in mind that usually teachers have SIL students ease into their roles. 2. What tasks and responsibilities will your SIL mentor assign to you as the term continues? Please be specific. Perspective Mentor Teacher’s Signature of Commitment ____________________________________ Signature __________________ date V.SIL Requirements Please note that if you are registered for the SIL program you will be required to do the following: 1. Accept the tasks and responsibilities assigned by the SIL mentor teacher. 2. Attend an orientation meeting and seminar meetings. You will also be required to complete homework for each seminar meeting. 3. Attend your assigned SIL class as agreed upon with your mentor teacher and contact your mentor teacher by 8am if you will be absent. 4. Make time in your schedule to meet with your SIL mentor at least twenty minutes a week outside of class. 5. Serve as a model of good behavior to students in your class and follow all rules and regulations set by your mentor teacher. Failure to comply with any of these requirements may results in removal from the SIL program. Any violations of the CHS Student Handbook will also impact your role in the SIL program. Please sign below to indicate that you read and understood the SIL requirements: ____________________________________ Signature __________________ Date If you have any questions about this application or the SIL program, please contact Mrs. Phelps